Wind threatened to shut down the second attempt to run Cinema Under the Stars in Nelson Bay but this time, organisers were prepared for what the elements threw at them.
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“We anticipated the wind this time and used a larger screen, which allowed us to use more anchors,” Chelsea Turrell, the sponsorship coordinator for the outdoor cinema’s owners, Newcastle Permanent, said.
“We didn’t want to have to cancel for a second year so we came prepared.
“Despite the wind we had good weather. It went really well.”
About 1000 people turned out to No. 1 sportsfield at Tomaree Sports Complex on Friday evening to watch the adventures of Paddington Bear on the big screen.
Family friendly 2017 movie Paddington 2 showed in the Bay as part of the travelling Cinema Under the Stars event.
The inaugural Bay Cinema Under the Stars, held in January 2018, did not go according to plan.
Windy weather forced organisers to cancel the event moments before the movie was due to roll.
A bumper crowd had filled out the Nelson Bay sports complex in anticipation for the outdoor screening of children’s animated movie The Secret Life of Pets.
Throughout the afternoon, movie-goers enjoyed entertainment including live music, activities, workshops and a visit from some of the movie characters.
However, persistent wind into the evening forced organisers to pull the plug on the big screen.
EARLIER STORY: Cinema Under the Stars returns to Nelson Bay
That was not the case this time around with the event going off without a hitch.
Before the movie rolled at sundown, children and families had the opportunity to enjoy live music and take part in fun activities.
Musicians Nick Phillips and Laura Zarb entertained and children and the young at heart took part in circus workshops.
Nelson Bay Football Club helped to run a target kicking activity while Fingal Beach Surf Life Saving Club manned the barbecue.
Ms Turrell said organisers would debrief on the 2018-2019 Cinema Under the Stars season, which toured 16 regional locations, before deciding which towns to include for 2019-2020.
“We really enjoyed our time in Nelson Bay,” she said. “Nelson Bay is on our radar for next season, given how well it was received. We had some really positive feedback. And it fits in really nicely with the holiday program. We’ll make a decision later in the year.”